Friends and families failing care home residents with nearly half not getting regular visits

Care homes are being forced to step in and tackle loneliness among their residents, with nearly half not receiving regular visits from their friends and families.

The new figures from care home review site, carehome.co.uk, reveal that 42 per cent of residents do not receive regular visits.

The figures sourced from a survey completed by care home owners, managers and staff as part of the carehome.co.uk Summer Survey, come as concerns grow about loneliness in older age and the ‘generation gap’.

Last year, the Local Government Association called for loneliness to be treated as a ‘major health issue’, while the Office of National Statistics recently revealed that the UK has the highest rates of loneliness in Europe.

Davina Ludlow, chair of carehome.co.uk, said: “Social care is one of the defining issues of our age, and yet we are far behind when it comes to taking care of our older friends and relatives – who are so often invisible in today’s society. While increases in life expectancy are undoubtedly to be welcomed, we urgently have to tackle its consequences – such as the creeping loneliness amongst older people.”

More than 80 per cent of care homes now have a designated activities coordinator to keep residents active and interacting socially.

Ms Ludlow added: “I commend those care homes that are stepping up their care and appointing dedicated coordinators to offer a diverse and exciting programme of activities to residents year-round. There are huge opportunities to bridge the generational gap by connecting the oldest with the youngest – helping both.

“As strains on the social care system continue to grow, and families are increasingly busy, activities coordinators play a crucial role in taking care of the most vulnerable in our society.”

Many care homes are doing their utmost to improve residents’ wellbeing by putting on a range of activities which includes entertainers, reminiscence days, pamper days, trips out as well as arts and crafts. There has also been a recent surge in residential settings offering intergenerational care where nurseries and schools visit care homes. A couple of care homes are now even going as far as running a nursery on the premises so young and old will be able to mix together every day.

SOURCE: carehome.co.uk, Sue Learner